“Youth to theatre” is a project developed, promoted and coordinated by Fondazione Venezia in cooperation with local operators and internationally acclaimed artists. This very important initiative is able to transform the territory of Venice in a multifaceted and extended platform for experimentation and socio-cultural innovation. Having reached its sixth edition in 2009, the project directly involves young people, bringing them to the theatre and challenging their attitudes.

Through the encounter with creative languages and practices, young people may discover their talents and also acquire new tools to learn more about themselves and the world outside. In order to take part in the project it is sufficient to activate the card issued by Fondazione Venezia.

The card allows young people to see shows paying only 2.50 euros. The card also allows the participation to “Experiences”, a cultural project developed as a part of the broader “youth to theatre” initiative. In close relation to the artistic process, “Esperienze” allows young people to take part in workshops, seminars, conferences and theatre rehearsals, in a unique first hand opportunity to “peek” into such environment. Fondazione Venezia has been gradually reinforcing its commitment to the “esperienze” project by creating and producing new initiatives, working in close connection with new partners and local operators (involved this year in the “periferie” project).

The term “periferie”(peripheries) is not simply a title, but a real attitude towards the development of a physical and imaginary space, source of vital impulses and energies for the true improvement of the social landscape. Between November 2008 and May 2009 3.000 cards were activated, 5000 tickets were sold at 2,50 euros each, 5.454 young people attended the “lesson-performances” in the school, 140 took part in the workshops, 1400 took part in the symposium held by prominent figures of the national and international theatre world.

Aged between 11 and 29, workers, residents and students in Venice and from the Province took part in 10 different initiatives of the “esperienze” project, paying a reduce rate for their ticket and having a chance to see the most innovative examples of contemporary theatre in 23 different venues. This data gives evidence of the great interest of young people for theatre, as well as of the active participation of school teachers who collaborated to the development of the project also outside of their working hours. Fondazione Venezia’s activity will be more and more directed towards this specific audience in order to strengthen such already excited participation.

Cesar Brie and Teatro de Los Andes during an artist residence in Mestre involved young people in discussions and workshops; the work of Antonio Tarantino gave start to the creation of two new play scripts; Pippo del Bono’s show was reviewed by a group of students on the occasion of the theatre criticism workshop held with the collaboration of nationally renowned critics. A public hip-hop performance was the outcome of Enzo Celli’s workshop.

These are just some examples of the workshops, symposiums, seminars, open rehearsals and shows that constituted the Youth to theatre/experiences project. An occasion for self-awareness achieved through creative practices and languages (theatre criticism, dance and literature) in order to experiment with one’s own passion and creativity.

Combining projects especially produced and collaborations with operators already present on the territory, “Youth to Theatre” is a network of opportunities to develop acquaintance between new generations and theatre artists and professionals. Still focused on innovation Fondazione Venezia is developing the new edition of the project working in close connection with its partners.

For the next season, contemporary theatre and the direct encounter with “maestri” will be pivoting centres of the new series of projects, this time also aiming at the creation of a new theatre piece. Music and musicals will receive greater attention, while the commitment to theatre in public schools will be as strong as before, involving students, teacher and other operators. The aim is to sustain their formative action by strengthening the relationship between schools and contemporary art.